Curiosity Killed the Cat

Plan B

Jason's POV

"Has anyone seen Kat?" I ask, entering a room that we've all made as a hangout place. It's where we spend the most of our time.

Patrick sighs. "She's right behind you, dumbass."

I turn around and find her standing there. It's hard to get used to how stealthy she is now.

"I'm going to take a shower, okay?" Kat says.

"Need company?" Someone calls out. A wave of snickers ripples through the room.

"No," she mumbles, red tinting her cheeks. She rushes away without another word.

Ever since Kat joined us, she's either been ignored by the girls (besides Scarlett, of course), or flirted with from the guys to the extent that it's impossible to make friends. The saddest part about the whole thing is she's starting to realize it.

I sit on a bunk bed and hold my head in my hands. Being inside for so long has driven some of us mad. It's been four days since we were allowed to go outside. The place where my eye is supposed to be is starting to throb, too.

Just be patient, or you won't get anywhere, I think. I'm beginning to have trouble doing the same thing I advised Kat to do.

Quinn blasts into the room with a grand entrance. Everyone turns their heads towards her. Some eyes look curious, while others narrow in annoyance.

"I'm so glad you're all here," Quinn gives a dramatic sigh of relief.

"Do you need something? And Kat isn't here," I answer.

"I think we all know that Kat isn't one of you."

I grit my teeth. My tongue will have permanent teeth marks in it after this conversation.

"I'm in desperate need of all of your help," she begins. This catches all of our attention now. "Despite how flourishing and successful our city looks, it is in trouble. Sickness has been a huge problem. Many aren't strong enough to build an elaborate army. But when those soldiers came, they've given us the material to create close to perfect beings like them."

"....and what does that have to do with us?" Naomi snaps.

"We need to see it from our own eyes. Imagine, all of you would never be sick again. Humans are evolving, and you can be apart of the evolution now!"

"Oh? And why hasn't any of your people volunteered yet for this?" Carter inquires.

"What did you do with all Kat's partners in crime, anyway?" I add.

Quinn sighs. "All I need is for you brave folks to volunteer and help out a civilization that has given you so much. Saved your lives, even. Is that too much to ask?"

"What if it doesn't work?" Scarlett asks.

"Trust me, it will."

She still hasn't answered my question. She completely avoided it, I think suspiciously. Everyone else seems to be pondering the same thing.

I stand up. "The answer is no. We won't participate and be Guinea pigs to an experiment that may cost our lives. We've lost too many of those lately."

"I was trying to be nice and give you a choice. Sheesh, I guess it's time for plan B," Quinn says. "I'm sorry, but this experiment is necessary. My society comes first before anything."

The room goes into chaos from alarmed shouting to the I'm-so-screwed pacing. Quinn walks out and locks the large doors behind her. I think I saw a smirk on her face before she left.

"Bitch!" Carter screams after her, but the doors are already closed. We're left sitting there with a stomach full of dread and terror. It only builds up as time stretches.